Karate Students with Disabilities “Can-Do!”Karate Can-Do! Traveling Team Wows Audiences

(GLENVIEW, IL) -- Mastering martial arts techniques can be challenging for able-bodied individuals, yet all members of the esteemed Karate Can-Do! Traveling Team once again amazed the crowds while performing their difficult karate maneuvers at the Art at the Glen Town Center art festival in Glenview, Illinois.

The Karate Can-Do! Traveling Team is part of the Karate Can-Do! Program offered at North Shore Dojo in Glenview, considered one of the most prestigious dojos in the country. The program empowers children of all abilities the opportunity to participate in Karate while improving their physical, cognitive, and emotional health by focusing on concentration and strength.

“The intention is to provide inclusion and adaptation in a program that is both recreational and competitive in nature,” states Sensei Jeff Kohn, Founding Director and head instructor of North Shore Dojo who has also received national and international recognition, including being the recipient of the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Paralympic Coach of the Year for Karate. “The program works at transforming attitudes and creating social and cultural change through its ability to engage children who are often overlooked and underserved by their communities.”

Sensei Kohn’s deep passion and unique approach to teaching makes the benefits of karate accessible to kids with special needs and believes that when a person with a disability is given the opportunity to participate in a sport, the focus shifts to their abilities rather than their disabilities. “Sometimes, it's just a matter of stepping away from the traditional methods and finding what works with that child. I’ve watched in awe at the courage and inner strength of students with special needs. I’ve learned that there is no limit to the human spirit.”

About Sensei Kohn and North Shore Dojo/The Karate Can-Do! ProgramSensei Jeff Kohn has been the Founding Director and head instructor of North Shore Dojo located in Glenview, Illinois, since its inception in 1979. Sensei Kohn, an internationally renowned coach, was named the 2011 Paralympic Coach of the Year for Karate and is Chairman and National Team Coach of the United States Disabled Karate team.Sensei Kohn is also the Founder and Technical Advisor to the Board for the Karate Can-Do! Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to helping children and adults with learning differences and physical challenges reach their full potential through the teachings and techniques of Karate. The program offers a variety of class structures including group sessions that are specific to individuals with disabilities and also mainstream classes. Individual and private instruction is also available. A central goal of the program is to help children develop socially, as well as, physically, so they can ultimately participate in mainstream classes. The Karate Can-Do! Traveling Team performs throughout the year at popular venues such as festivals/events from Chicago’s Mayor’s Office of Special Events, Kohl Children’s Museum, Botanic Gardens and more. North Shore Dojo is located at 2081 Johns Ct, Glenview, IL. For more information, including class schedules and more about the Karate Can-Do! Program, call 847.729.0001 or visit http://www.northshoredojo.com.###